The National Library (Thai: หอสมุดแห่งชาติ) is a public reference library in Bangkok, Thailand. It has a large collection, some of which dates back more than one hundred years, making it one of the oldest in Thailand. The library has an interesting and sometimes eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional features, with modern computer terminals sitting alongside card index systems.

The main building of the National Library has five floors open to the public. Most books and periodicals are in Thai, but there are publications in other languages including English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. OPAC (online public access catalog) terminals in the library allow users to search in Thai and English. Publications in English are distributed throughout the library and not confined to a single section.


Services available on the first floor of the National Library of Thailand include

The newspaper reading room located next to the main entrance is especially popular with Thai visitors.

The Data Search Room is has many desktop computers and free Internet access for all visitors, limited to one hour per day. Visitors must complete a form and deposit their ID (foreign visitors must deposit their passport) with the library staff. Games, online chat, and external storage devices (e.g. USB drives) are not allowed.


Services available on the second floor of the National Library of Thailand include
The central part of the second floor contains a very modern-looking and attractive library.



A general collection and books on philosophy and religion are housed in a less modern but nonetheless popular wing on the second floor. Silence is observed in all areas of the library, and air-conditioning keeps the rooms at a comfortable temperature.



Services available on the third floor of the National Library of Thailand include




Services available on the fourth floor of the National Library of Thailand include
Services available on the fifth floor of the National Library of Thailand include
The fifth floor is dedicated to academic research and the storage of bachelors, masters and doctoral degree theses from across Thailand (approximately 80% coverage) since 2003. Theses from earlier years have been moved to other locations. Desk space and electrical power outlets are available for users with notebook computers.


Opening hours and contact details for the National Library of Thailand.
The National Library catalog can be searched here.
We would like to thank the Director of the National Library (ผู้อำนวยการสำันักหอสมุดแห่งชาติ), Khun Wilawan (คุณวิลาวัณย์) for kindly granting special permission to photograph inside the library on March 18, 2009. We'd also like to thank the library staff for their invaluable help introducing the library services and explaining how to use the library catalog.
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Question about the library system in Thailand
Hello,
I am a Norwegian student of librarianship at the master studies at the Oslo University College of Applied Sciences in Oslo, Norway.
At our studies we discussed the Thai rules concerning public library loans. Some of my co-students said it is not possible to borrow books at public libraries in Thailand, and that it is only possible to read them in the library and not bring them to your home (and back again of course). Is that true or not?
Best regards, Kari Gyllander
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